How to navigate a style shift
A stage many people are in right now is a style shift. This could be due to a lifestyle change, personal growth, switch in career, any number of things. You might be in the beginning stages and open your closet and just not want to wear ANYTHING you have, or you might have taken the plunge and purged most of your closet without any idea what to do next.
In the past couple of years circumstances have caused us to really prioritize what's important in our lives and in large part clothing might have been pushed to the side because of it's apparent frivolity. You might be struggling to see clothing as a large part of your life because it feels more evolved to prioritize non-material things, but you still haven't settled into that mindset so you're being pulled in different directions. And I'm telling you that it's not just ok to enjoy clothing, but it's important. You get dressed every day, the clothing you choose impacts your day and your life, and it's a form of self expression whether you have that intention or not. So if you reflect inward and fully recognize your intent, you can connect with your wardrobe and let it serve you instead of draining energy from other aspects of your life.
You may think you have to start out already knowing what you want your wardrobe to look like but you don't. It's a process not an overnight change. Maybe you're working from home now and spending 5 days a week in some variation of an old graphic tee and H&M sweatpants. Maybe you're more social now and finding yourself always reaching for the same garment because it's the only one that feels right. Or you just feel like you've forgotten how to put together an outfit. This is actually all fantastic. Whether you realize it or not you've already gotten started, the next step is taking action.
You can begin with my closet clean out method and really pay attention to step 3: put back into your closet what you actually wear first. What garments are you putting back and why? What do they say about your day to day lifestyle? Are you happy with what's there as it is or would you rather make some adjustments and upgrades? It's ok to be left with a skeletal wardrobe in the end, in fact it's great if you do. You're essentially working with a blank canvas, who you were a few years ago is likely not who you are now, and it's time to see that internal change.
This style limbo can be an uncomfortable place to be in, but I invite you to sink into it. Take your time letting go in ways that work for you at your pace, and find what you're drawn to in an honest way. Your style is yours, and yes we often have requirements from outside sources that dictate what we can and can't wear in certain situations (work, school, environment, etc) but if you don't have the foundation of what you want to wear, and build around that as well as what you need to wear, you'll feel a disconnect in those portions of your life.
Inspiration can come from anywhere, and Pinterest is the best tool to utilize for seeing your tastes as they evolve and come together. Many things we tend to take literally, for example an elaborate Victorian dress might not be an option for your lifestyle, but pull inspiration from elements of it. Do you love the color? Texture? Is there a small detail to take note of that you could look for in more wearable garments? Instead of moving past something because it's not realistic but you have a positive reaction to, revel in that reaction and find ways to apply it to your wardrobe. When building your style don't settle for what "works", you can make something work later when building your wardrobe. Start by finding inspiration of what you love. Be selfish and unapologetic. Pay attention to yourself and your wants. Later you can pay attention to your needs.
If you feel overwhelmed I'm available for personal video consultations that cater to exactly what you need, I'm here to help in any way 🖤
